The Auto Channel
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
The Largest Independent Automotive Research Resource
Official Website of the New Car Buyer

IndyCar - Legge and Servia Also Change Engines At Long Beach


PHOTO (select to view enlarged photo)

LONG BEACH, Apr. 13, 2012: Lotus engines in the Nos. 6 and 22 cars driven by Katherine Legge and Oriol Servia, respectively, were swapped out for fresh 2.2-liter, twin-turbocharged V-6 power plants before the first IZOD IndyCar Series practice session for the Toyota Grand Prix of Long Beach.

In addition to the engine changed in the No. 7 Lotus Dragon Racing car driven by three-time Long Beach Indy car race winner Sebastien Bourdais following the Honda Indy Grand Prix of Alabama on April 1, Chevrolet changed out engines in its 11 entries in a precautionary move April 12.

All 14 entries will incur 10-spot grid penalties for the 85-lap race on the 1.968-mile, 11-turn street circuit April 15 because of an unapproved engine change. Rules 15.5.1 and 15.6.1 outline the penalty for a change-out if the engine that has not reached its minimum threshold.

Chevrolet's decision was made following the tear down and inspection of the engine in the No. 27 GoDaddy.com car of Andretti Autosport that experienced an issue during a team April 9 at Infineon Raceway.

"We are still learning the limitations of the new engine controls calibration," said Chris Berube, Chevrolet Racing's IZOD IndyCar Series program manager. "Through our testing in Sonoma, as indicated by an engine issue, we uncovered a problem that we believe could affect all engines. So, as a result, we feel it is prudent to change all engines prior to the start of the on-track activities this weekend."